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Robert Arthur Keir

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University of Illinois

Robert Keir Obituary

Robert Arthur Keir
Died: August 4, 2024 in Orlando, FL
Robert Arthur Keir passed into eternal life on August 4, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, at the age of 74.
Rob is survived by his loving wife Peggy; children Maggie (Christopher Berg), Robert Keir, Andrew (Jill Tedhams) and James Anastasiades; his grandchildren Matthew and Pearl Berg; and siblings Linda (Robert Simons) and Rick (Lucy Niehaus) Keir. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Margaret Keir.
Born in Joliet, Illinois, Rob graduated from Joliet Township High School - Central, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, later earning his Juris Doctorate from John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Rob lived a fulfilling life characterized by his deep love for family and friends, as well as his commitment to public service. His passions included music, swimming, golf, and history, and he was a lifelong learner who cherished reading. Known for his mild-mannered demeanor and terrific, dry sense of humor, Rob was exceptionally thoughtful and humble. He found great purpose in serving others as a public defender in McLean County Courthouse Bloomington, Illinois, where he represented clients with compassion and dedication.
To know Rob was to love him and those that did will miss him immensely.
Funeral private.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald-News on Sep. 24, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Keir

15 Entries

Bruce Sundquist

January 8, 2025

I worked with Rob for several years in the 1970s in a lab in Joliet area. He was a great guy and good friend. Just learned of his passing. Rest in peace my friend.

Heather refetoff

December 4, 2024

Peggy, a good friend of fifty years, married Rob many years ago in our garden. It was a wonderful occasion; Sarah Peggy´s mother was in high good spirits, and Rob´s parents were too. Everyone was happy to see the new family of Peggy. Rob, Andrew and James come into being and, of course, later Maggie and Robert joined it too. How sad that Rob had to leave it so early. A quiet, calm man Rob was a good husband, step-father, father, brother and son, he deserved many more years. During the final year of his life when he knew his time was limited, he behaved with dignity, love and consideration for those around him, helping Peggy to come to terms with his inevitable death. The world would be better if there were more men in it like Rob.

Diane Mason

October 1, 2024

To Dear Peggy, Maggie, Robert, Andrew and James,
My heart goes out to you all at the loss of Rob, a gentle, kind, thoughtful and compassionate husband, father, friend and man to all those who were blessed to know him. I always enjoyed my conversations with him - he knew so much and I always learned something from him. He was so much more than the eye could see. I know the memories you made with him will be with you always and will be a comfort to you now and always. I will always think of him when I pass a Pete´s Coffee - he made the best cup of coffee I have had anywhere- and that includes Italy and Guatemala! Sending love and prayers to all the family xx

Nancy McClarty

September 30, 2024

Enjoyed working with Rob for many years at the Law & Justice Center. He always greeted with a smile, such a kind man with a great dry sense of humor. Condolences.

Rick Mason

September 29, 2024

I met Rob through my wife´s and my friendship with his wife, Peggy. We shared many interests, and I always looked forward to chatting with him about one or the other. He had a terrific sense of humor but never at the expense of someone else. He shared his father´s love of collecting and could speak authoritatively on many subjects relating to his acquisitions. He was deeply devoted to his family and showed remarkable courage dealing with his health challenges in his final days. I will miss Rob and hope his family will be left with wonderful memories of him in happier times.

James Heaney, brother-in-law, and Rosemary Heaney.

September 27, 2024

Robert was a lovely man, kind, caring, and generous. We will remember him with warm affection.

Susan Thomas

September 26, 2024

Rob has taught us all lessons in humility, kindness and above all, grace. He treated everyone the same - a rare quality these days.
God speed, my friend. You ran the race well - rest in peace.
My thoughts are with dear Peggy and family. May your fondest memories with Rob, help you through this difficult time.

Michael Welsh

September 25, 2024

Rob and I worked together in the Lab for many years. He became a Brother to me. We had many similar interests in music. But Rob´s interests also included Classical and some underground Rock. He got on me when the Bears lost, good natured of course. Because that was Rob: intelligent, funny, loved his Family and Friends. He came to my house a few times. So many great memories together. He loved his coffee, big time! Condolences to Rob´s Family and Friends. He left us all too soon, but his big personality and heart will live on in all of us forever...

Wendy Klein

September 25, 2024

God comfort you and give you peace. I am so sorry for your loss and the world´s loss. He was a blessing to all who knew him....
Wendy Klein (old friends from when we were both at the Public Defender´s Office)

Ray Eich

September 24, 2024

I lived at the top of a hill and Bobby, (as I new him when we were in early grade school), lived around the corner at the bottom of the hill. We play cowboys and Indians and rode our sleds down the steep hill in front of his house. Every once in a while his mom would make shortbread and and bring it to us when were playing. What a treat. Didn´t see much of each other after those younger years, but have good memories.
To his family I´m sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.

Alisa

September 24, 2024

Rest in Peace Mr Keir

Lynda

September 24, 2024

My condolences to the family. I went to hs with Bob. May he RIP. I will put his name in the memories.

Darrell Holmquist

September 24, 2024

Mr. Keir's obituary describes him the same way as I would have back in our long-ago high school days. He was a wonderful classmate in history, German, and chemistry classes as well as choir. God bless.

Daniel Deneen

September 24, 2024

Peggy and family:

My condolences on your great loss. Robert was a gentle man and a gentleman. I enjoyed the time we spent together when your family was up here.

Dan Deneen

James Souk

September 24, 2024

Please accept my condolences. He was an excellent attorney as well as a fine person. He was a respected colleague, who was a pleasure to work with, always kind, considerate and professional.
James Souk, Circuit Judge(ret.)

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